Episode 336: How To Stay Politically Engaged Without Going Crazy with Leah Litman

Judiciary Reform

Judiciary reform is a pressing issue, with Leah Litman advocating for an enforceable ethics code to curb the influence of wealth on judges. She highlights the need to limit the court's powers, which currently allow it to choose cases and influence federal laws without checks 1. Litman also notes the Biden administration's success in diversifying the federal judiciary, though challenges remain due to norms like the blue slip policy, which hinders judicial appointments in states with Republican senators 2.

   

Supreme Court Insights

The current Supreme Court, according to Leah Litman, operates on conservative grievances and fringe theories, often failing to check executive power 3. She warns against relying on the court to constrain political overreach, as seen in its handling of cases involving Donald Trump. Litman emphasizes the importance of public resistance to illegal policies, such as birthright citizenship challenges, to "gum up the works" and prevent easy implementation 4.

   

Constitutional Concerns

The push for a Constitutional Convention by some Republican factions aims to amend the Constitution, potentially to ban abortion nationwide. Leah Litman explains that while this movement is concerning, it is not an immediate threat compared to other pressing issues 5. She cautions against complacency, noting past underestimations of significant legal shifts, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade.